Publishers Weekly
08/23/2021
Sharma’s charming if formulaic debut, the first in the Chai Masala Club series, reads like a love letter to both Indian culture and the streets of New York City. Ever since 28-year-old Kiran Mathur’s older sister was disowned by their parents for marrying the wrong man, Kiran has played the role of perfect Indian daughter—even after moving from India to America for school and her career as a biomedical engineer. But as she approaches 30, she yearns to follow her heart and find romance for herself, rather than agree to an arranged marriage. Enter her new neighbor: handsome child psychologist Nash Hawthorne. Kiran resists their immediate chemistry, knowing her parents would never approve of an American suitor. Nevertheless, their easy friendship gradually deepens into a full-fledged relationship, though their romance is challenged by Kiran’s traditional parents and Nash’s own complicated history. As they navigate these obstacles, they must both figure out what they truly want. While this predictably hits all the typical romance story beats, it distinguishes itself with relatable characters, a vibrant setting, ample, well-drawn Indian representation, and a delightful voice. This will surely win Sharma some fans. Agent: Stacey Donaghy, Donaghy Literary Group. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"The first in the Chai Masala Club series reads like a love letter to both Indian culture and the streets of New York City… [it] distinguishes itself with relatable characters, a vibrant setting, ample, well-drawn Indian representation, and a delightful voice. This will surely win Sharma some fans." — Publishers Weekly
"Not-to-be-missed." — Booklist, STARRED Review
"A sweet story of finding love where you least expected to. A romp through New York City with fresh immigrant eyes. Kiran and Nash's journey to learning to see themselves and others across boundaries and preconceived notions will warm your heart." — Sonali Dev, author of Recipes for Persuasion
"Captivating." — Library Journal, STARRED Review
Library Journal
★ 06/01/2021
DEBUT Kiran Mathur is a biomedical engineer in New York City. Though she misses her parents, who live in India, she talks to them daily and helps them financially. Kiran has always followed her parents' rules, even after moving to the U.S. Then she meets Nash, a psychologist who recently moved into her apartment building. They quickly become friends, and as they grow closer, they both begin to want more. Unfortunately, Kiran is a dutiful daughter whose parents insist on an arranged marriage, and Nash's childhood taught him that people don't stick around. This well-written contemporary romance features the familiar tropes of forbidden love and friends-to-lovers with characters from different backgrounds and cultures. The likable characters are sympathetically and realistically rendered in chapters told from both Kiran's and Nash's perspectives. VERDICT The plot is captivating, and readers will ride its ups, downs, twists, and turns with Kiran and Nash as they search for a happily-ever-after. Recommended for all collections.—Heather Miller Cover, Homewood P.L., AL
NOVEMBER 2021 - AudioFile
Zehra Naqvi narrates a charming love story between two transplants to New York City. Kiran Mathur came to the United States to gain a degree and a career, not to fall in love; Nash Hawthorne moved to New York to advance his career, not to make a new friend or fall in love. Will they ultimately listen to their heads or their hearts? Naqvi is at her best when depicting the banter between Kiran and her friends and the growing relationship between Kiran and Nash. While her weakness with American accents is a flaw, she portrays the positive bonds of love and friendship between the characters with such care that they’re a joy to experience. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
